7 July 2023
The North Shore Male Choir is united by its love of singing - and in the process it has raised more than $80,000 for Harbour Hospice through its annual fundraising concerts. Here’s what to expect at this year’s concert.
There’s a proverb, “Those who wish to sing always find a song.” And that sums up the feeling of the men in the North Shore Male Choir. Every Tuesday they meet to practise at the Senior Citizen’s Hall in Birkenhead. Thirty men from all walks of life – tradies, professionals, now all retired and united in the most uncomplicated way - by their love of singing.
The choir’s treasurer Peter Stewart joined the group four years ago after returning to New Zealand from some years away in Brisbane. He says, “It doesn't matter where you come from or what your background is. You're singing in the choir because you enjoy singing, and you enjoy the fellowship that comes out of working together to create music.”
What makes the group even more special is that it uses its voice to fundraise for Hospice, he says.
The North Shore Male Choir has held an annual concert dedicated to Harbour Hospice since 2000, with all proceeds going to patient care. The choir is one of Hospice’s longest-running fundraising community groups, having raised an incredible $82,000 for the charity in that time.
Peter says, “It’s because of what hospice provides in the community that we continue to fundraise for them. Hospice looks after vulnerable people and it can't manage on its own. It requires community support and that’s how this choir can assist. Our satisfaction comes from understanding what hospice does in the community and who hospice serves and looks after. We enjoy it.”
At this year’s concert on Sunday 16 July you can expect to enjoy a mix of classical, spiritual and modern tunes, including Leonard Cohen’s version of Hallelujah, Amazing Grace and Pōkarekare ana. The audience will be invited to sing along to some songs and crowd favourite, violinist Murray Van Hoorn, will be there to entertain, too. Murray was originally invited to play with the choir after its music director Lynn John discovered him busking on the streets in Orewa. Murray is known for connecting with the audience by mixing with them while he plays. “He is very much-loved,” Peter laughs.
This year’s concert is on Sunday 16 July at 2pm at St George’s Presbyterian Church in Takapuna. To buy tickets click here.
